Dog and cat owners in Chippenham are being encouraged to attend a microchipping event on Saturday and Sunday, to help safeguard their pets.

Microchipping is the most effective way of increasing the chances of a missing pet being returned safely to its owner, according to the Pets at Home store.

To help owners meet the government deadline of compulsory microchipping - 2016 in England - owners can bring their cat or dog to Pets at Home Chippenham any time on Saturday or Sunday and get their pet microchipped for £10, compared to the usual cost of £15.

The Chippenham store team makes it very easy for pet owners to drop in and make use of the microchipping service.

Mark Brimson, store manager at Pets at Home Chippenham, said: “With microchipping technology, if your dog is lost or stolen, there is a better chance you will avoid the heartache of losing a pet.

"Microchipping in its simplest terms means that if your cat or dog is lost or stolen there is a better chance they will be returned to you.

“Microchipping is a simple, relatively painless and essential procedure for ensuring the welfare of your pet; it’s a fool-proof method of keeping your pet safe. “